Thornless Sea Buckthorn Boosts Kyrgyzstan’s Farming Prospects

Farmers in Kyrgyzstan’s Chong-Alay District have begun cultivating thornless varieties of sea buckthorn, marking a new chapter in local agricultural development.

The seedlings were imported from Altai Republic, Russia, and the initiative is supported by the Agriculture Ministry, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

Three varieties - Inya, Klavdia, and Altai - have been planted. Early results are promising, with around 90 per cent of the seedlings successfully rooted and beginning to bear fruit. Agronomists estimate that each bush may yield between 8 to 12 kilograms of berries.

To promote sustainable farming, the crops are being irrigated through a drip irrigation system, significantly reducing water consumption.

The harvested berries are expected to be sold at prices ranging from 250 to 380 Kyrgyz soms ($2.86-4.35) per kilogram, offering a potentially lucrative new source of income for local farmers and contributing to the diversification of agricultural products in the region.